Process is the new purpose

Small actions add up

For so long, I’ve wanted to find my purpose as if I’d lost it or something. I’ve had different jobs, lived in many cities, met many people, and had many adventures (so far). As I’ve moved through life (sometimes at pace), I’ve realised, it’s always been there with me. Hiding in plain sight.

It’s only become more apparent, as I allow myself to be seen, as I put myself out there into the world and show more of my authentic self.

I’m beginning to realise my adventures allow me to gain clarity to my purpose. So, why not share them!

I don’t have a clear outline on what my purpose is or will be, I know it involves adventure, movement, creativity, and connection (plus a boot load of other things). I feel more comfortable replacing the word purpose with process, cause process can become a formula.

‘Little bit of adventure mixed with connection + creativity = purpose’

(simple right? Pfft).

This is why I ran the Routeburn, It’s a clear example of my process//purpose in action.

Starting the adventure

The last time I stepped foot in the Milford National Park was in 2^nd form camp (some 20 years ago). Memories fade, however, my deep curiosity to explore these mountains remained. I wanted to see, feel, and experience more. That’s why I went back.

---

The Build up – the unknowns, the anxiousness, the wrong turns.

When I’m embarking on any new venture uncertainty is my only certainty, coupled with my overthinking. So, how can I turn those unknowns into knowns, how can I be my best self leading into new endeavours?

My antidote, action.

So, what was my action plan?

My plan was simple, small blocks of action each day towards my desired future outcome.

Action looked like (amongst other things); A lot of strength work – I focused on building a strong foundation in the shed (gym), a consistent amount of time on toes during the week (usually around ~50km with some elevation), dedicated to recovery sessions (saunas/ice baths became a huge game changer) and researching the route (I put very little time into this, I realised I actually like a bit of uncertainty in these areas).

The best part of it all, training with friends (new and old) – investing in myself each day, conversations, or learnings from others made me feel great about myself. By investing in little bits of ‘action’ each day, stacked up over time and you know what, it was up probably some of the better parts of entire experience.

I’m not one for clichés but I relate to this one – ‘you gotta love the process’ (or purpose?)

To bottom line it, you must take action. If you are consistent and invest into yourself each day, you’ll achieve your desire outcome.

---

 

The Adventure - The hard works done, now it’s the fun part.

Honestly, I’m still lost for words on how captivated I was by the living environment I was moving through.

Ecosystems of the trail I’ll call it.

Diverse flora and fauna, 1000-year-old mosses, alpine fed electric blue streams and waterfalls, small birds resembling cotton wool buds landing some 2 inches from my next step. I half expected Frodo Baggins or one of the fellowship to pop out at any time. There was so much ancient life surrounding me.

A real time capsule.

I totally underestimated how technical the trail would be, (poor planning or a nice surprise?), steep inclines, rocky outcrops, stream crossings, radical declines, a few wrong turns, a true cocktail of a great adventure.  

There was one thing that I wasn’t expecting though – this paradox between being in the moment and capturing the moment.

I wanted to take photos of everything, document it so I could share it, or relive it for another day. It was a surreal awakening on how conscious I had to be in the moment to stay on the task at hand, this dance between looking at the trail, or at the vista. (Thank God I’d been training my focus muscle - refer to my Hocus, Focus article if you haven’t been training)

Another thing that surprised me - the people I met along the way.

John the DoC guide giving me some track insights, young families, tourists, day hikers, and a lot of people from Christchurch – For those that I stopped and chatted with everyone was so in awe of the moment, the view, the landscape, the gratitude was oozing out of them.

With each person I passed they usually yelled some words of encouragement or inspiration, even at 1200m above sea level you are going to find people who will cheer you on.

Rings true to the run crew culture philosophy – ‘If you’re not running, you are cheering’.

Wrong turns, John the Doc guide, and 1000 year old mosses

Some five-hours later, I had done it; this part of the adventure was over. There was no finish line celebration, no after party. Just my dad waiting at the end of the track with a warm powerade and a hug (Thank God, as I gave him some very vague directions on where to pick me up - poor planning or adding to the adventure?)

We had dinner lakeside along Lake Te Anau, a special moment that with stay with me forever. I had achieved what I set out to do, all those little moments of action over the past few months added up and this was the pay-off, a moment of pure bliss.

The present moment.

Dinner for two at Lake Te Anau

Things I’ve learnt (about myself)

The little moments add up. If I live into my process every day, they’ll create bigger moments like this one. As long as I’m aware of where my energy is going and I’m intentional, these bigger moments will come more often and hopefully be more impactful.

Another thing I’ve learnt - share those adventures. I’m in choice on how I act in the moment (capturing it or living it) – to quote a friend and person I look up to Charlie Dark - ‘I’m not in the running business, I’m in the inspiration business’.

Hopefully this inspires you to take action on your next adventure (wherever that may be)

As always, move with curiosity.

Willocks x

Lastly, a parting question; what are you doing today (or everyday) for your future self?

Be aware, be intentional.